New York, NY - Jeff Stier, director of the Risk Analysis Division at the National Center for Public Policy Research, and a New York City resident, issued the following statement regarding the New York Supreme Court tossing out Mayor Michael Bloomberg's ban on large-size sodas:

Common sense has just gained a foothold in New York City.

Mayor Bloomberg's campaign against beverages as a way to curb obesity was properly rebuked by a New York Supreme Court judge today for being arbitrary and capricious.

Obesity is a real problem, but a random ban like the Mayor's, which was widely ridiculed not only by late-night comedy shows, but by a New York judge, is not a serious way to address a serious issue.